So, we had our first VR class last Wednesday.  It was AMAZING.  This definitely is going to be an exciting semester.  The exercise we tried in class with the NY Times was awe-inspiring.  The possibilities for VR storytelling are endless.  The experience was immersive and the story was told in an intelligent way.  I was really impressed by the fluidity of the shots.  They were stitched well together to the point that it appeared seamless.

The way the story was told was facilitated by the VR experience.  You can feel connected almost like you're physically present in their current situation.  One scene, for example, the scene on the boat in the beginning, Having the ability to have a 360 degree perspective on the lives of the children.  The intense look that the children gave throughout the experience really connected you to their experience.  These techniques not only aided in the storytelling but added to the overall experience.

I was surprised that the experience didn't have as much of a physical effect on me.  I didn't have any feelings of nausea or any uneasiness.  It was surprising but pleasant.  Since the stitching of the 360 videos created a seamless, easily comprehensible video and message.

The factors that contributed to the experience using the VR headsets would be the screen resolution, smoothness of head tracking, and also the sound.  The sound surrounded you and felt natural.  It painted the experience around you and made you feel apart of the story.  I felt more connected because of that connection I felt with the children.  The full spherical vision offered perspective and an experience that supplemented the story in a great way.

-Chazz Inniss